8 ways to take the pain out of childhood vaccinations

Childhood vaccinations. The list can seem endless, and no sooner have you got over one set of jabs it’s time for another.

As a third time mum lots of things are easier than they were the first time around but childhood vaccinations isn’t one of them. If anything I’ve found them harder to deal with with baby number three – probably because I know what to expect.

At 14 months Littlest B has just had her latest round of jabs – two in each thigh – and my goodness did we know about it.

It was a full five days afterwards before she was back to her old self, and with that in mind I’ve compiled a list of ways to take the pain out of childhood vaccinations – both for them and for you.

8 ways to take the pain out of childhood vaccinations

1. Medicate before you go. (Them I mean, not you). They say not to give them medicine beforehand and only give them Calpol if they need it afterwards, but in my experience they’ve always needed it. Knowing they’ve already had a dose has taken the stress out of getting home as fast as possible afterwards, especially if your surgery isn’t around the corner. If it’s easier you could always use an online pharmacy. Better safe than sorry and all that.

2. Don’t look. Watching the needle going in always makes me come over all funny, even though it’s not my leg or arm it’s going into. Hold them in your arms and make sure they’re not looking either.

3. Clear the diary for at least 48 hours afterwards. Every child is different and while some may suffer no side effects at all others will display the lot. My three have been a combination of sleepy, grumpy, feverish and clingy – sometimes all four – after each set of vaccinations and planning anything other than being at home is completely pointless. Don’t put yourself through it.

4. Avoid touching their legs. When they’re babies the jabs go into their thighs and the chances are they’ll hurt afterwards. Ours have all had red rashes around the injection site and hard spots of skin where the needle went in. Avoid touching at all costs.

5. Dress them in loose clothing. The less pressure on the injection site the better, or weather permitting strip them down completely.

6. Plan sitting down activities. Because of the aforementioned sore legs I’ve found sitting down activities in the aftermath of jabs best. Anything that involves the floor, the highchair or the baby bouncer.

7. Snuggle up. All mine have been super clingy after their jabs and wanted nothing more than to cuddle up on the sofa with undivided attention. Make the most of it.

8. Pour yourself a glass of wine. Or two. If they’ve been grumpy, feverish and clingy all day – even worse all three – you’re going to need it.

Have you had to cope with childhood vaccinations recently? Do you have any top tips?

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I'm a wife, mother, freelance journalist & blogger. Not necessarily in that order. Join me as I navigate the previously unchartered territory of motherhood always safe in the knowledge there's a bottle of wine in the fridge...

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